When the bells sounded at Chilton County schools Thursday afternoon, it meant the end of one of the most difficult years in the system’s history.

After facing cuts of nearly $4 million due to 9 percent proration, education officials were forced to save money wherever they could, such as removing appliances from schools to save energy.

Chilton County Superintendent of Education Keith Moore said he felt the system accomplished everything it set out to accomplish.

“When I met with all our principals, I told them my goal was to try to provide our students with a safe place to go to school and the best education we could possibly give them,” Moore said. “I felt like we accomplished that goal.”

Moore, currently in the third year of his first term as superintendent, thanked parents and employees for their cooperation during the school year.

“Everybody worked well together,” he said, adding, “I’d like to congratulate all our seniors and hope they have the best success.”

While educators will spend much of the summer preparing for the 2009-2010 school year, students in the county can enjoy a little freedom.

“We might go to the beach,” Clanton Elementary first grader Ashley Cranford said while waiting on the bell in Ms. Tipton’s class.

“I’m going to Alabama Adventure,” kindergartener Clayton Keller said in Ms. Smith’s class.

The 2009-2010 school year is set to begin Monday, Aug. 10.